Press releases 2005

9 February 2005

ANNOUNCEMENT RE:  EURONEXT ANNOUNCEMENT

The Board of the London Stock Exchange plc notes the announcement by Euronext detailing aspects of a possible offer for the Company.  Since the announcement does not contain an offer price, the Board of the London Stock Exchange does not propose to comment at this stage.

The London Stock Exchange remains willing to continue to hold discussions with potential offerors about the possibility of an offer for the London Stock Exchange which fully values the Company, the related synergies available in a combination and the attractive growth prospects of the London Stock Exchange.

As previously stated, the Board believes that a combination, on the right terms, of the London Stock Exchange with another major stock exchange could be in the best interests of shareholders and customers.  The Board is also focused on ensuring that any proposal is capable of implementation.

In line with its normal practice, the London Stock Exchange is today releasing its monthly market report for January which shows record levels of daily trading.

For further information, please contact:

London Stock Exchange
John Wallace - Media   +44 (0)20 7797 1222
Paul Froud - Investor Relations  +44 (0)20 7797 3322

Merrill Lynch    +44 (0)20 7628 1000
Matthew Greenburgh
Richard Slimmon

Media

Finsbury     +44 (0)20 7251 3801
James Murgatroyd
Melanie Gerlis

Merrill Lynch International is acting as financial adviser to the London Stock Exchange plc in relation to the matters referred to in this announcement and no one else and will not be responsible to anyone other than the London Stock Exchange plc for providing the protections offered to clients of Merrill Lynch International nor for providing advice in relation to the matters referred to in this announcement